Pharmaceutical compositions containing a dgat1 inhibitor

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising
         a) a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,   b) one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, surfactants with lubricant properties;   c) one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, dry binders with disintegrant properties;   d) one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, fillers, and   e) one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, disintegrants.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising(4-{4-[5-(6-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-aceticacid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, e.g. the sodiumsalt thereof, as the active ingredient in a suitable carrier. Thepresent invention also relates to the processes for their preparationand to their use as medicaments.

As disclosed in WO 2007/126957, a genus of compounds asDGAT1-inhibitors, Including, at Example 5-1, the compound(4-{4-[5-(6-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-aceticacid, having the structural formula (I):

and its sodium salt

may be employed in the treatment of a condition or a disorder such asinflammatory conditions, obesity, diabetes and related metabolicdisorders.

Administration of such pharmaceutical agents via the oral route ispreferred to parenteral administration because it allowsself-administration by patients whereas parenteral formulations have tobe administered in most cases by a physician or paramedical personnel.It is also important that dosage units which are manufactured and givento a patient have a high degree of uniformity in the amount of drugsubstance among the individual dosage units. In addition, theformulation must have a good dissolution profile and an optimal in-vivodrug-release profile with minimal unit-to-unit variability.

However, the compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof, in particular the sodium salt thereof, is a drug substancewhich is difficult to formulate due to its physicochemical properties.More particularly, the sodium salt of the compound of formula (I),depicted above as the compound of formula (II), is hygroscopic, poorlysoluble and highly permeable, with a high moisture uptake at 95%relative humidity. It is also plate like, very fluffy, and sticky innature. It also exhibits poor flow characteristics.

These characteristics of the drug substance make it particularlyproblematic to develop formulations comprising the compound of formula(II) which would be amenable to withstanding the compression forcesrequired for a tablet form of the pharmaceutical composition with anadequate hardness window.

Furthermore, it is not trivial to make oral formulations of the compoundof formula (II) in the form of tablets with the desirable requiredproperties such as good flowability, compression behavior (e.g. nosticking during tablet compression), friability, and/or dissolutionrate, in a reliable and robust way.

Accordingly, there is the need for a suitable and robust galenicalformulation overcoming the above problems related to the properties ofthe compound of formula (II).

During the course of development, it has been found to be difficult toachieve such a formulation. The formulations of Example 1, for instance,were very sensitive to process parameters. It was found that compressionat different hardnesses led to very different dissolution profiles. Itwas thus necessary to reduce the tablet to tablet variability of thedrug release of the formulation, as this would have a major impact onthe in-vivo availability of the drug. It was also necessary to develop aformulation which would be more robust to process parameters, and whichwould avoid one of the major problems associated with the compound offormula (II), i.e. its stickiness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Surprisingly it has been found that the use of a combination of specificexcipients enables the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions, inparticular in the form of compressed tablets, overcoming the drawbacksidentified above.

The invention thus provides a pharmaceutical composition of the compoundof formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, whichexhibits one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, of the following desirablecharacteristics;

-   -   a dissolution profile which is suitable for the administration        of the therapeutic agent, —a compression profile with a wide        hardness window which still provides acceptable friability,        hardness, disintegration time and dissolution;    -   sufficient stability to achieve a reasonable shelf life;    -   a relatively high drug loading, if desired, may easily be        achieved.

The formulations of the present invention are also achievable via arobust manufacturing process; which gives good flowability,compactibility, and which minimizes sticking problems and capping oftabletting mixtures on the rotary press. The process and theformulations are amenable to scale-up, with a reproducible performance.

Accordingly the present invention provides a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising

-   -   a) a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula        (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,    -   b) one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, surfactants with lubricant        properties;    -   c) one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, dry binders with disintegrant        properties;    -   d) one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, fillers, and    -   e) one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, disintegrants.

Preferred embodiments are as defined herein and in the subclaims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The pharmaceutical composition in accordance with the present inventionis, as defined in claim 1. The use of the specified excipientssurprisingly overcomes the problems of formulating the compound offormula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, in particular thesodium salt of formula (II), into a solid oral dosage form.

In particular, the present invention provides a composition which showsgood physical and chemical stability during storage, which has a gooddissolution profile, which is not sensitive to manufacturing parameters,and in which the unit to unit variation in drug release is minimized.

In particular, the present invention also provides a process whichenables maximum drug load to be achieved and which is not sensitive tomanufacturing parameters.

The present inventors have found that the presence of a surfactant whichalso has lubricant properties considerably reduces the sticking tendencyof the formulation, as well as improving the dissolution and processingproperties of the compositions of the present invention. Thus thepharmaceutical compositions of the present invention contain one ormore, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, surfactants which have lubricant properties.

The surfactants to be employed in accordance in the present inventioninclude, without limitation, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), stearic acid,palmitic acid, myristic acid, poloxamers and polyethylene glycols suchas PEG 4000-8000, Tween series of surfactants, Brij series ofsurfactants (i.e., Brij 80), Triton X-100, and combinations thereof,preferably Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

The surfactant or combination of surfactants may be employed in anamount ranging from about 0.1% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.5%to about 3%, e.g. 2%, by weight of the tablet (prior to any optionalfilm coating). These percentages are based on the compound of theformula (I) and if a salt is used the percentages will be adaptedaccordingly.

Sticking issues during roller compaction and subsequent tabletting (atforces of 5 kN and less) are also overcome by the presence of a drybinder with lubricant properties. Moreover, the presence of such abinder gives more stable roller compaction roll-force readouts comparedto those obtained in compositions without such a binder. Thus thepharmaceutical compositions of the present invention in addition containone or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, binders with lubricant properties.

The dry binders to be employed in accordance in the present inventioninclude, without limitation, polyethylene glycols (PEG), e.g., PEG 4000;pregelatinized starch; starch; chitosan; guar gum, microcrystallinecellulose; methyl cellulose; calcium carboxymethylcellulose; sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose, alginic acid and/or its sodium salt;hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose or hydroxypropyl cellulose, bothpreferably of medium to high viscosity, e.g., viscosity grades 3 or 6cps, e.g. low substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC LH-21); andcombinations thereof. A most preferred binder is low substitutedhydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC LH-21).

The dry binder or or combination of dry binders may be employed in anamount ranging from about 2% to about 20%, preferably from about 5% toabout 15%, e.g. about 10% by weight of the tablet (prior to any optionalfilm coating). These percentages are based on the compound of theformula (I) and if a salt is used the percentages will be adaptedaccordingly.

The fillers to be employed in accordance in the present inventioninclude, without limitation, microcrystalline cellulose (e.g., celluloseMK GR and products available under the registered trade marks AVICEL,FILTRAK, HEWETEN or PHARMACEL, Vivapur, emcocel, tabulose),low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose,hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, Anhydrous Dicalcium Phosphate, DicalciumPhosphate, lactose, Anhydrous Lactose, and combinations thereof.

Preferably the filler is microcrystalline cellulose, Anhydrous DicalciumPhosphate and Anhydrous Lactose, or a mixture thereof. Combination offillers may be used such as combinations of microcrystalline celluloseand Anhydrous Dicalcium Phosphate, and combinations of microcrystallinecellulose and lactose.

The filler or combination of fillers may be employed in an amountranging from about 4% to about 85%, preferably from about 20% to about85%, most preferably from about 50-80%, e.g, 50-65% or 70-80% by weightof the tablet (prior to any optional film coating). These percentagesare based on the compound of the formula (I) and if a salt is used thepercentages will be adapted accordingly.

When combinations of fillers are used, they may be used in a ratio offrom 1:1 to 1:5, preferably 1:2 ratio.

In one embodiment, the filler is a combination of microcrystallinecellulose and another filler, e.g. Anhydrous Dicalcium Phosphate, orlactose, wherein the ratio of the microcrystalline cellulose to lactose,or of microcrystalline cellulose to anhydrous dicalcium phosphate is1:2.

The disintegrants to be employed in the pharmaceutical compositions ofthe present invention can be extragranular or intragranular, or both.Examples of disintegrants to be employed in accordance in the presentinvention include, without limitation, carboxymethylcellulose calcium(CMC-Ca), carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC-Na) or crosscarmellosesodium, e.g. AC-DI-SOL, Sodium Starch Glycollate (SSG); alginic acid,sodium alginate and guar gum; preferably crosscarmellose sodium, e.g.AC-DI-SOL, cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone (e.g. CROSPOVIDONE,POLYPLASDONE or KOLLIDON XL), Sodium Starch Glycollate (SSG).

A most preferred disintegrant is Sodium Starch Glycollate (SSG).

The disintegrant or combination of disintegrants may be employed in anamount ranging from about 0.5% to about 25%, preferably from about 1% toabout 10%, most preferably from about 1% to about 6%, by weight of thetablet (prior to any optional film coating). In one embodiment, thedisintegrant is present in an amount which is 2, 6 or 9% by weight ofthe tablet. These percentages are based on the compound of the formula(I) and if a salt is used the percentages will be adapted accordingly.

Lubricants may provide advantages in the formulation of a pharmaceuticalcomposition when the drug substance is poorly water soluble and acompaction process, such as a roller compaction process, is used withdrug loads as high as 25% w/w. Thus the pharmaceutical compositions ofthe present invention may in addition contain one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or3, lubricants.

The lubricants to be employed in accordance in the present inventioninclude, without limitation, magnesium stearate, aluminum or calciumsilicate, stearic acid, cutina, PEG 4000-8000, talc and combinationsthereof, preferably Sodium Stearyl Fumarate or magnesium stearate, morepreferably Sodium Stearyl Fumarate.

The lubricant or lubricants may be employed in an amount ranging fromabout 0.1% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 5%, e.g.2-3%, by weight of the tablet (prior to any optional film coating).These percentages are based on the compound of the formula (I) and if asalt is used the percentages will be adapted accordingly.

The compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, maybe employed in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 50%,preferably from about 0.5% to about 30%, most preferably from about1-30%, by weight of the pharmaceutical compositions (prior to anyoptional film coating). The compound of formula (I) may be present in 2,10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% by weight of the pharmaceutical compositions.These percentages are based on the compound of the formula (I) and if asalt is used the percentages will be adapted accordingly.

Pharmaceutically acceptable additives suitable for use in thepharmaceutical compositions, in particular in the form of the tablets,according to the present invention include, without limitation,glidants, colorants, and combinations thereof. The amount of eachadditive in a pharmaceutical oral fixed dose combination may vary withinranges conventional in the art.

Suitable glidants include, without limitation, colloidal silicon dioxide(e.g., Aerosil 200), magnesium trisilicate, powdered cellulose, starch,talc and combinations thereof. When present, a glidant or glidants inthe layer containing component a) may be employed in an amount rangingfrom about 00.05% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 1%,more preferably from about 0.25% to about 1%., e.g. 0.25 or 0.5%, byweight of the tablet (prior to any optional film coating). Thesepercentages are based on the compound of the formula (I) and if a saltis used the percentages will be adapted accordingly.

Various enumerated embodiments of the invention are described herein. Itwill be recognized that features specified in each embodiment may becombined with other specified features, wherein the specified featuresare as described in each embodiment, and also in the presentspecification, to provide further embodiments of the present invention.

In a first embodiment 1, the invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition, as described in claim 1.

Embodiment 2: a pharmaceutical composition, according to embodiment 1,wherein the surfactant with lubricant properties is selected from,sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid,poloxamers and polyethylene glycols such as PEG 4000-8000, Tween seriesof surfactants, Brij series of surfactants (i.e., Brij 80), TritonX-100, and combinations thereof, preferably Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

Embodiment 3: a pharmaceutical composition, according to embodiment 1 or2, wherein the dry binder is selected from polyethylene glycols (PEG),e.g., PEG 4000; pregelatinized starch; starch; chitosan; guar gum,microcrystalline cellulose; methyl cellulose; calciumcarboxymethylcellulose; sodium carboxymethylcellulose, alginic acidand/or its sodium salt; hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose or hydroxypropylcellulose, both preferably of medium to high viscosity, e.g., viscositygrades 3 or 6 cps, e.g. low substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPCLH-21); and combinations thereof, most preferably, low substitutedhydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC LH-21).

Embodiment 4; a pharmaceutical composition, according to any one ofembodiments 1 to 3, wherein the filler is selected from microcrystallinecellulose (e.g., cellulose MK GR and products available under theregistered trade marks AVICEL, FILTRAK, HEWETEN or PHARMACEL, Vivapur,emcocel, tabulose), low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose,hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, AnhydrousDicalcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate, lactose, Anhydrous Lactose,and combinations thereof.

Embodiment 5; a pharmaceutical composition, according to any one ofembodiments 1 to 4, wherein the disintegrant is selected fromcarboxymethylcellulose calcium (CMC-Ca), carboxymethylcellulose sodium(CMC-Na) or crosscarmellose sodium, e.g. AC-DI-SOL, Sodium StarchGlycollate (SSG); alginic acid, sodium alginate and guar gum; preferablycrosscarmellose sodium, e.g. AC-DI-SOL, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (e.g. CROSPOVIDONE, POLYPLASDONE or KOLLIDON XL), SodiumStarch Glycollate (SSG).

In other embodiments of the invention, the pharmaceutical compositionsprovided herein may contain in addition, lubricants, glidants,colorants, and combinations thereof, as detailed above.

In a preferred aspect, the amounts of each of the excipients, and theamount of the compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof, are as described herein, and as described in the Examples.

Throughout the present application, the various terms are as definedbelow:

Hardness: The term “hardness” commonly also referred to as “breakingforce” or “resistance to crushing” as used herein refers to the forcerequired to cause a tablet to fail (i.e., break) in a specific plane.

The hardness is measured by standard methods known to the person skilledin the art, see the harmonized procedure set forth in the pharmacopeiasUSP <1217> and EP 2.9.8 and JP. If the tablet is too soft, it will notwithstand handling during the subsequent processing, such as coating orpackaging and shipping operations. Likewise, if the tablet is too hard,it may not disintegrate in the required period of time or meet thedissolution specification. A general principle for hardness testing isthat the larger the tablet, the higher the hardness. It is thus a goalof the formulator to improve the compression/hardness profile so as tominimize the influence of hardness on disintegration time anddissolution, and to maximize the drug load.

Release profile: The term “release” as used herein refers to a processby which the pharmaceutical oral fixed dose combination is brought intocontact with a fluid and the fluid transports the drug(s) outside thedosage form into the fluid that surrounds the dosage form. Thecombination of delivery rate and delivery duration exhibited by a givendosage form in a patient can be described as its in vivo releaseprofile. The release/dissolution profiles of dosage forms may exhibitdifferent rates and durations of release and may be continuous.Continuous release profiles include release profiles in which one ormore, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, active ingredients are released continuously,either at a constant or variable rate. An adequate drug release profilefor the pharmaceutical composition may be e.g. 80% within 45 minutes.

Disintegration: The term “disintegration” as used herein refers to aprocess where the pharmaceutical oral fixed dose combination, typicallyby means of a fluid, falls apart into separate particles and isdispersed. Disintegration is achieved when the solid oral dosage form isin a state in which any residue of the solid oral dosage form, exceptfragments of insoluble coating or capsule shell, if present, remainingon the screen of the test apparatus is a soft mass having no palpablyfirm core in accordance with USP<701>. The fluid for determining thedisintegration property is water, such as tap water or deionized water.The disintegration time is measured by standard methods known to theperson skilled in the art, see the harmonized procedure set forth in thepharmacopeias USP <701> and EP 2.9.1 and JP.

Dissolution rate: The term “dissolution” as used herein refers to aprocess by which a solid substance, here the active ingredients, isdispersed in molecular form in a medium. The dissolution rate of theactive ingredients of the pharmaceutical oral fixed dose combination ofthe invention is defined by the amount of drug substance that goes insolution per unit time under standardized conditions of liquid/solidinterface, temperature and solvent composition. The dissolution rate ismeasured by standard methods known to the person skilled in the art, seethe harmonized procedure set forth in the pharmacopeias USP <711> and EP2.9.3 and JP. For the purposes of this invention, the test is formeasuring the dissolution of the individual active ingredients isperformed following pharmacopeia USP <711> at pH 4.5 using a paddlestirring element at 75 rpm (rotations per minute). The dissolutionmedium is preferably a buffer, typically a phosphate buffer, especiallyone as described in the example “Dissolution Test”. The molarity of thebuffer is preferably 0.1 M.

An adequate dissolution profile for a slowly dissolving or poorly watersoluble drug (BCS class 2) may mean for example, more than 80%, e.g.85%, dissolution within 30, 45, or 60 minutes, see e.g. Guidance forIndustry: Dissolution Testing of Immediate Release Solid Oral DosageForms, August 1997, p. 5.

The term “particulate” as used herein refers to a state of matter whichis characterized by the presence of discrete particles, pellets, beadsor granules irrespective of their size, shape or morphology. When aplurality of particulates is present, these are referred to asmultiparticulates. Typically, the particulates have an average size oflower than about 3 mm, preferably between about 1 μm to 3 mm. By“average particle size” it is meant that at least 50% of theparticulates have a particle size of less than about the given value, byweight. The particle size may be determined on the basis of the weightaverage particle size as measured by conventional particle sizemeasuring techniques well known to those skilled in the art. Suchtechniques include, for example, sedimentation field flow fractionation,photon correlation spectroscopy, light scattering, and diskcentrifugation.

The terms “effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount”refers to the amount of the active ingredient or agent which halts orreduces the progress of the condition being treated or which otherwisecompletely or partly cures or acts palliatively on the condition.

The term “prophylactically effective amount” refers to the amount of theactive ingredient or agent prevents the onset of the disease, conditionor disorder.

The term “warm-blooded animal or patient” are used interchangeablyherein and include, but are not limited to, humans, dogs, cats, horses,pigs, cows, monkeys, rabbits, mice and laboratory animals. In oneembodiment, the mammals are humans.

The term “treatment” means the management and care of a patient for thepurpose of preventing, combating or delaying progression of the disease,condition or disorder, preferably for the purpose of combating thedisease, condition or disorder, and in particular it also prophylactictreatment.

The terms “prevention”/“preventing” are to be understood as meaning theprophylactic administration of a drug, such as a combined preparation orpharmaceutical composition, to healthy patients to prevent the outbreakof the disease, condition or disorder.

The terms “delay of progression”/“delaying progression” are to beunderstood as meaning the administration of a drug, such as a combinedpreparation or pharmaceutical composition, to patients being in apre-stage of the disease, condition or disorder.

The terms “drug”, “active substance”, “active ingredient”, “activeagent” are to be understood as meaning a compound in free form or in theform of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, in particular as specifiedherein.

Where the plural form is used for compounds, salts, excipients,pharmaceutical compositions, diseases, disorders and the like, this isintended to mean one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, single compound(s),salt(s), excipients, pharmaceutical composition(s), disease(s),disorder(s) or the like, where the singular or the indefinite article(“a”, “an”) is used, this is intended to include the plural or thesingular (“one”).

In a further embodiment the present invention overcomes the drawbacksassociated with formulating the drug substance and provides a specificprocess for preparing a pharmaceutical composition comprising thecompound of the formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof.

The invention provides in another of its aspects a process of making asolid oral dosage form as hereinabove described. Such a solid oraldosage form may be produced by working up the final composition definedhereinabove in appropriate amounts, to form unit dosage forms.

In one embodiment, there is provided a process for preparing apharmaceutical composition according to any one of the preceding claimscomprising the steps of mixing compound of formula (I), or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, with at least onepharmaceutically acceptable excipient to form a blend; compacting, suchas roller compacting, said blend; optionally mixing with furtherpharmaceutically acceptable excipients, and optionally compressing thefinal blend into a solid oral dosage form.

There is also provided a process of making the solid oral dosage formsas hereinabove described comprising the steps of

-   (a) mixing the compound of the formula (I), or a pharmaceutically    acceptable salt thereof with at least one pharmaceutically    acceptable excipient to form a blend;-   (b) roller compacting, then milling said blend;-   (c) lubricating the resulting mixture, and-   (d) compressing the resulting mixture into a solid oral dosage form.

Quantities of ingredients, represented by percentage by weight of thepharmaceutical composition, used in each example are set forth in therespective tables located after the respective descriptions. A furtherembodiment of the present invention is a process for the manufacture ofa tablet according to the present invention.

The pharmaceutical oral fixed compositions of the invention are tabletsof low friability. Preferably the friability is not more than 0.8%. Thefriability is measured by standard methods known to the person skilledin the art, see the harmonized procedure set forth in the pharmacopeiasUSP <1216> and EP 2.9.7 and JP.

The pharmaceutical oral fixed compositions of the invention are tabletsof suitable hardness (e.g. an average hardness ranging from about 30 Nto about 110 N). Such an average hardness is determined prior to theapplication of any film coating on the pharmaceutical oral fixed dosecombinations. In that regard, a preferred embodiment of this inventionis directed to pharmaceutical oral compositions which are film-coated.Suitable film coatings are known and commercially available or can bemade according to known methods. Typically the film coating material isa polymeric film coating material comprising materials such ashydroxypropylmethyl cellulose or polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol,lecithin, talc and colorant. Typically, a film coating material isapplied in such an amount as to provide a film coating that ranges fromabout 1% to about 6% by weight of the film-coated tablet. A coatingcomprising polyvinyl alcohol and materials such as polyethylene glycol,talc, and colorants (such as Opadry AMB or Opadry II 85F) can be appliedas a moisture barrier to provide additional moisture protection toprevent conversion of the active ingredient to other polymorphic forms.Sufficient moisture protection can also be achieved through variouspackaging, including but not limited to: heat-induction sealed HDPEbottles with or without desiccant, and blister packaging materials knownin the industry to have low moisture vapor permeation rates (i.e.aluminum/aluminum, PVC/PCTFE(polyvinylchloride/polychlorotrifluoroethylene), ACLAR).

The invention provides a process for the preparation of pharmaceuticaloral compositions as described herein above. Such pharmaceutical oralfixed dose combination may be produced by working up components asdefined herein above in the appropriate amounts, to form unitpharmaceutical oral fixed dose combinations.

The pharmaceutical compositions are useful in treating or preventing acondition or disorder associated with DGAT1 activity. The conditions forwhich the instant invention is useful include, without limitation, ametabolic disorder such as obesity, diabetes, anorexia nervosa, bulimia,cachexia, syndrome X, insulin resistance, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia,hyperuricemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia,dyslipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, chlomicronemia,familial chylomicronemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease;cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis,acute heart failure, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease,cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, hypertension,hypotension, stroke, ischemia, ischemic reperfusion injury, aneurysm,restenosis, and vascular stenosis; neoplastic diseases, such as solidtumors, skin cancer, melanoma, lymphoma, and endothelial cancers, forexample, breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach cancer,other cancers of the gastrointestinal tract (for example, esophagealcancer and pancreatic cancer), prostate cancer, kidney cancer, livercancer, bladder cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, testicularcancer, and ovarian cancer; dermatological conditions, such as acnevulgaris. In yet another aspect, the pharmaceutical compositions areuseful as an anorectic.

The present invention thus provides a method for treating or preventinga condition or disorder associated with DGAT1 activity, comprisingadministering to an animal, including a human patient, in need of suchtreatment a therapeutically effective amount of the pharmaceuticalcomposition according to the present invention.

The present invention likewise provides the use of a pharmaceuticalcomposition according to the present invention for the manufacture of amedicament for treating or preventing a condition or disorder associatedwith DGAT1 activity.

The present invention likewise provides a pharmaceutical compositionaccording to the present invention for use in treating or preventing acondition or disorder associated with DGAT1 activity.

Ultimately, the exact dose of the active agent and the particularformulation to be administered depend on a number of factors, e.g., thecondition to be treated, the desired duration of the treatment and therate of release of the active agent. For example, the amount of theactive agent required and the release rate thereof may be determined onthe basis of known in vitro or in vivo techniques, determining how longa particular active agent concentration in the blood plasma remains atan acceptable level for a therapeutic effect.

The above description fully discloses the invention including preferredembodiments thereof. Modifications and improvements of the embodimentsspecifically disclosed herein are within the scope of the followingclaims. Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled inthe art can, using the preceding description, utilize the presentinvention to its fullest extent. Therefore, the Examples herein are tobe construed as merely illustrative and not a limitation of the scope ofthe present invention in any way.

EXAMPLES Methodology Example A Dissolution Testing

The tablets of the Examples are tested for their dissolution in 900 mlof pH 6.8 phosphate buffer with paddles at 75 rpm.

The assembly consists of the following: a covered vessel made of glassor other inert, transparent material; a motor, and a paddle formed froma blade and shaft as the stirring element. The vessel is partiallyimmersed in a suitable water bath of any convenient size or placed in aheating jacket. The water bath or heating jacket permits holding thetemperature inside the vessels at 37±0.5° during the test and keepingthe bath fluid in constant, smooth motion. No part of the assembly,including the environment in which the assembly is placed, contributessignificant motion, agitation, or vibration beyond that due to thesmoothly rotating stirring element. Apparatus that permits observationof the specimen and stirring element during the test is has thefollowing dimensions and capacities: the height is 160 mm to 210 mm andits inside diameter is 98 mm to 106 mm. Its sides are flanged at thetop. A fitted cover may be used to retard evaporation. The shaft ispositioned so that its axis is not more than 2 mm at any point from thevertical axis of the vessel and rotates smoothly without significantwobble. The vertical center line of the blade passes through the axis ofthe shaft so that the bottom of the blade is flush with the bottom ofthe shaft. The design of the paddle is as shown in USP <711>, FIG. 2.The distance of 25±2 mm between the blade and the inside bottom of thevessel is maintained during the test. The metallic or suitably inert,rigid blade and shaft comprise a single entity. A suitable two-partdetachable design may be used provided the assembly remains firmlyengaged during the test. The paddle blade and shaft may be coated with asuitable inert coating. The dosage unit is allowed to sink to the bottomof the vessel before rotation of the blade is started. A small, loosepiece of nonreactive material such as not more than a few turns of wirehelix may be attached to dosage units that would otherwise float. Othervalidated sinker devices may be used.

1 L of a buffered aqueous solution, adjusted to pH 6.8±0.05 (0.05 MPhosphate buffer solution obtained by dissolving 6.805 g of potassiumdihydrogen phosphate and 0.896 g of sodium hydroxide in and diluting to1000 ml with water, and adjusting the pH to 6.80±0.05 using 0.2M sodiumhydroxide or 1M phosphoric acid; referred hereinafter as “DissolutionMedium”) is placed in the vessel of the apparatus, the apparatus isassembled, the Dissolution Medium is equilibrated to 37±0.5°, and thethermometer is removed. 1 dosage form (e.g. tablet or capsule) is placedon the apparatus, taking care to exclude air bubbles from the surface ofthe dosage-form unit, and immediately the apparatus is operated at arate of 75+2 rpm. Within the time interval specified (e.g. 10, 20, 30,45, 60, 90 and 120 min.), or at each of the times stated, a specimen (>1ml) is withdrawn from a zone midway between the surface of theDissolution Medium and the top of the rotating blade, not less than 1 cmfrom the vessel wall. [NOTE—the aliquots withdrawn for analysis arereplaced with equal volumes of fresh Dissolution Mediums at 37° or,where it can be shown that replacement of the medium is not necessary,the volume change is corrected in the calculation. The vessel is keptcovered for the duration of the test, and the temperature of the mixtureunder test at suitable times is verified.]. The specimen is filteredthrough a suitable filter, e.g. a 0.45 μm PVDF filter (Millipore) andthe first mls (2 to 3 ml) of the filtrate are discarded. The analysis isperformed by HPLC or UV detection. The test is repeated at least 6times. with additional dosage form units.

Methodology Example B Hardness Testing

A Schleuniger 8M Hardness tester was used to perform tablet hardnesstesting. Tablets were positioned on the instrument stage. Each tabletwas oriented in the lengthwise same position according to distinguishingmarks (when applicable). Testing was performed for 10 tablets from eachbatch and each compression force.

Example 1 Reference Example

trans-(4-{4-[5-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-aceticacid, sodium salt along with Microcrystalline Cellulose (partial), andCrospovidone (intragranular) are mixed in a low shear mixer. The mixedcontents, along with remaining Microcrystalline Cellulose are passedthrough an oscillating mill equipped with a suitable screen. Thescreened contents are mixed in a low shear mixer for a suitable amountof time. Colloidal silicon dioxide, screened through an appropriatescreen is mixed with the blend from earlier step and the contents aremixed for a suitable amount of time. Magnesium Stearate, screenedthrough a suitable screen size is added to the preblend and mixed for asuitable amount of time. The lubricated intragranular preblend is passedthrough a roller compaction system for densification at the optimizedparameters for feed rate, roll speed and roll force. The ribbons fromthe process are collected and passed through an oscillating millequipped with a suitable screen to get the desired milled material. Themilled material is then mixed with extragranular prescreenedCrospovidone and mixed in a low shear mixer for a suitable amount oftime. To the mixture, prescreened Magnesium Stearate is added and mixedfor a suitable amount of time. The final blend is then compressed to thedesired tablet weight to achieve the optimized thickness, hardness anddisintegration time.

Example 1.A Uncoated Tablet Comprising a DGAT1 Inhibitor, (5 mg ofActive Ingredient, Based on Free Acid of Compound 1)

Ingredients mg/tab trans-(4-{4-[5-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 5.263-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)- acetic acid, sodium saltMicrocrystalline Cellulose 86.24 Crospovidone 7.0 Colloidal silicondioxide 0.5 Magnesium Stearate 1.0 Total weight 100 mg

Example 1.B Uncoated Tablet Comprising a DGAT1 Inhibitor, (10 mg ofActive Ingredient, Based on Free Acid of Compound 1)

Ingredients mg/tab trans-(4-{4-[5-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin- 10.513-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)- acetic acid, sodium saltMicrocrystalline Cellulose 172.49 Crospovidone 14.0 Colloidal silicondioxide 1.0 Magnesium Stearate 1.0 Total weight 100 mg

The Table below shows the dissolution of tablets of Example 1.A whichare compressed at two different hardness i.e. 6 kN and 12 kN. Thedissolution for the batches was performed using USP-2 Paddle/0.4%CTAB/pH 6.8 buffer/50 rpm.

TABLE Dissolution summary of Example 1.A (at two hardness levels) %compound of formulat (II) released (% w/w) Compression at the followingtime points (in minutes) hardness 10 min 20 min 30 min 45 min 60 min  6kN 65 82 91 101 103 12 kN 48 77 82 86 89

Example 2 Effect of Surfactant with Lubricant Properties Method forPreparing a Pharmaceutical Composition:

Microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel), surfactant (sodium lauryl sulfate),disintegrant (Internal), and glidant (Aerosil 200) (Internal) are addedto the therapeutic agent. The mixture is sieved and blended prior tolubrication. The lubricant (Internal), is then added to the bin blenderand blended for an appropriate amount of time. The mixture is rollercompacted using a roller compactor, and then milled. Disintegrant(External), and glidant (Aerosil 200) (External) are added to themixture and bin blended. Thereafter, the obtained mixture is blendedwith lubricant (external excipient), sieved in a bin blender. Theobtained final mixture is then compressed into a tablet weighing about100 mg.

The table below shows the effect of a surfactant with lubricantproperties. The following Table shows two formulations, one with and theother without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

TABLE Effect of surfactant with lubricant properties Batch NumberExample 2A Example 2B Strength 25 mg 25 mg mg/tablet mg/tablet MaterialsCompound of formula (II) 26.28 26.28 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate — 2 Avicel PH102 18.22 18.22 Anhydrous Lactose 36 36 Sodium Starch Glycollate(Internal) 3 3 L-HPC LH 21 10 10 Aerosil 200 (Internal) 0.25 0.25 SodiumStearyl Fumarate 0.5 0.5 (Internal) Sodium Starch Glycollate 3 3(External) Aerosil 200 (External) 0.25 0.25 Sodium Stearyl Fumarate 0.50.5 (External) Total weight (mg) 100 100 Tablet properties Tooling 6 mmround 6 mm round Mean weight (mg) 99.4 100.5 Compression force (kN) 4.14.9 Mean hardness (N) 64.2 64.2 L- HPC LH 21: low substitutedhydroxypropyl cellulose

The dissolution profiles of the above formulations are given below.

TABLE Dissolution summary of Example 2 (with and without surfactant) %compound released (% w/w) at the following time points (in minutes)Sample 10 20 30 45 60 Without 30 66 87 93 95 surfactant With 2% 50 84 9294 94 surfactant

The dissolution comparison clearly indicates the faster rate ofdissolution at the initial two time points for the formulation with 2%w/w of SLS. Moreover, during the processing of the batch containing SLS,it was observed that the sticking tendency to the rolls of the compactorwas also significantly reduced. Hence the advantages from thedissolution and processing standpoint made it crucial to include asurfactant with lubricant properties in the formulation.

Example 3 Effect of Dry Binder with Disintegrant Properties

The effect of a dry binder with disintegrant properties can be evaluatedas follows. In Example 3B, the non-inclusion of L-HPC LH-21 wascompensated by a similar amount of Avicel PH-102 in the external phase.

Batch Number Example 3A Example 3B Strength 25 mg 25 mg Mg/tabletMg/tablet Materials Compound of formula (II) 26.28 26.28 Sodium LaurylSulfate 2 2 Avicel PH 102 (Internal) 16.72 16.72 Anhydrous Lactose 36 36Sodium Starch Glycollate (Internal) 3 3 L-HPC LH 21 10 — Aerosil 200(Internal) 0.25 0.25 Sodium Stearyl Fumarate (Internal) 1 1 Avicel PH102 (External) — 10 Sodium Starch Glycollate (External) 3 3 Aerosil 200(External) 0.25 0.25 Sodium Stearyl Fumarate (External) 1.5 1.5 Totalweight (mg) 100 100 Tablet properties Tooling 6 mm 6 mm standard round,standard round, Mean weight (mg) 102.4 101.0 Compression force (kN) 8.48.1 Mean hardness (N) 89.0 89.2 % friability (500 rotations) 0.06 0.65L- HPC LH 21: low substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose

The Table below gives details of the dissolution profile of the aboveformulations and the low and high hardness samples from each of thebatches.

% compound released (% w/w) at the following time points (in minutes)Sample 10 20 30 45 60 Ex. 3A (35 56 95 95 96 96 N hardness) Ex. 3A (8944 75 90 94 96 N hardness) Ex. 3B (38 51 90 97 98 98 N hardness) Ex. 3B(90 40 73 90 96 98 N hardness)

The above table shows there is no clear difference between thedissolution profiles in terms of induced formulation changes withrespect to the presence and absence of L-HPC LH-21. However from aprocessing standpoint, batch Example 3B encountered sticking issuesduring roller compaction and subsequent tabletting (at forces of 5 kNand less). Moreover, it was observed that for the formulation withoutthe dry binder under consideration, roller compaction roll-forcereadouts were less stable compared to that of the formulation Example3A.

The friability of a formulation containing a dry binder with lubricantproperties was lower.

Therefore a dry binder with lubricant properties is an essentialcomponent of the formulations of the present invention.

Example 4 Effect of Filler Type

Example 4A Example 4B Strength 25 mg 25 mg mg/tablet mg/tablet MaterialsCompound of formula (II) 26.28 26.28 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 2 2 Avicel PH102 18.22 18.22 Dicalcium Phosphate Anydrous 36 — Anhydrous Lactose — 36Sodium Starch Glycollate (Internal) 3 3 L-HPC LH 21 10 10 Aerosil 200(Internal) 0.25 0.25 Sodium Stearyl Fumarate (Internal) 0.5 0.5 SodiumStarch Glycollate (External) 3 3 Aerosil 200 (External) 0.25 0.25 SodiumStearyl Fumarate (External) 0.5 0.5 Total weight (mg) 100 100 Tabletproperties Tooling 6 mm round 6 mm round Compression force (kN) 9.59 4.9Mean hardness (N) 86.6 64.2 % friability (500 rotations) 0.29% NA AvicelPH 102: Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) Anhydrous Dicalcium Phosphate:DCP

The dissolution profile of Example 4A and 4B are given in the Tablebelow.

The dissolution comparison from the Table clearly indicates that thecore tablets from batch from containing MCC:DCP in a 1:2 ratio exhibiteda slower profile than the batch containing MCC:Anhydrous Lactose in a1:2 ratio.

% compound released (% w/w) at the following time points (in minutes)Sample 10 20 30 45 60 Ex. 4A (25 33 51 60 68 80 N hardness) Ex. 4B (4757 92 94 95 97 N hardness) Ex. 4B (99 46 78 92 94 97 N hardness)

Example 5 Uncoated 25 mg Variants with Different Types of Disintegrants

The therapeutic agent in these examples is the compound of formula (II).The table below shows the formulation for Examples 5A, 5B and 5C having25 mg of therapeutic agent—the 25 mg refers to the amount of thecompound of formula (I). Examples 5A, 5B and 5C provide possibleembodiments of a tablet dosage form using various disintegrants.

Microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel). sodium lauryl sulfate, disintegrant(Internal), and Aerosil 200 (Internal) are added to the therapeuticagent. The mixture is sieved and blended prior to lubrication. TheSodium Stearyl Fumarate (Internal), is then added to the bin blender andblended for an appropriate amount of time. The mixture is rollercompacted using a roller compactor, and then milled. Disintegrant(External), and Aerosil 200 (External) are added to the mixture and binblended. Thereafter, the obtained mixture is blended with Sodium StearylFumarate (external excipient), sieved in a bin blender. The obtainedfinal mixture is then compressed into a tablet weighing about 100 mg.The dissolution data of these examples at pH 6.8 are shown in the Tablebelow.

TABLE Uncoated 25 mg variants with different types of disintegrantsBatch Number Example 5.1 Example 5.2 Example 5.3 Strength 25 mg 25 mg 25mg mg/tablet mg/tablet mg/tablet Materials Therapeutic agent 26.28 26.2826.28 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 2 2 2 Avicel PH 102 18.22 18.22 18.22Anhydrous Lactose 36 36 36 Disintegrate (internal) 3 (SSG) 3 (PVP XL) 3(Ac-Di-Sol) L-HPC LH 21 1 10 10 Aerosil 200 (Internal) 0.25 0.25 0.25Sodium Stearyl Fumarate 0.5 0.5 0.5 (Internal) Disintegrant (External) 3(SSG) 3 (PVP XL) 3 (Ac-Di-Sol) Aerosil 200 (External) 0.25 0.25 0.25Sodium Stearyl Fumarate 0.5 0.5 0.5 (External) Total weight (mg) 100 100100 Tablet properties Tooling 6 mm round 6 mm round 6 mm round Meanweight (mg) 100.1 102.3 99.2 Compression force (kN) 6.1 6.3 6.1 Meanhardness (N) 76.6 84.2 82.4 % friability (500 rotations) 0.41 0.08 0.75SSG = Sodium Starch Glycollate; PVP- XL: Cross linked polyvinylpyrollidone Ac-di-sol: Crosscarmellose Sodium; L- HPC 21: lowsubstituted hydroxypropyl cellulose

TABLE Dissolution profiles for Examples 5.1-5.3. Dissolution medium: 900ml pH 6.8 Phosphate + 0.05% CTAB; Paddle at 75 rpm; HPLC method; rapidstir 45 to 60 min. Time (min) 10 20 30 45 60 % release of Example 5.136.3 73.3 83.4 90.3 93.8 compound (SSG) (2.8 kN) of formula (II) Example5.1 30.0 58.2 78.5 88.0 92.9 (SSG) (8.3 kN) Example 5.2 27.9 65.0 84.392.0 94.0 (PVP-XL) (2.8 kN) Example 5.2 21.9 51.2 74.5 87.9 93.1(PVP-XL) (8.0 kN) Example 5.3 46.3 78.7 84.3 89.1 91.2 (Ac-di-sol) (2.5kN) Example 5.3 38.0 67.2 81.9 85.6 90.9 (Ac-di-sol) (8.0 kN)

It can be seen from the above table that core tablets formulated withCross linked polyvinyl pyrollidone (PVP-XL) show a slower releasecompared to the Sodium Starch Glycollate (SSG), and CrosscarmelloseSodium (Ac-Di-Sol) based formulations. In addition, it was found thatCross linked polyvinyl pyrollidone (PVP-XL) was incompatible with thedrug substance due to the presence of residual formaldehyde.Formulations containing Crosscarmellose Sodium (Ac-Di-Sol) were alsofound to turn to yellow when prepared prepared and exposed to 50° C. dryas well as 50° C./75% residual humidity for 4 weeks.

Thus, a most preferred disintegrant is sodium starch glycollate, whichalso gives a good friability level.

Example 6 25 mg Tablet

The therapeutic agent in these examples is the compound of formula (II).The table below shows the formulation for Examples 6.1 to 6.4 having 25mg of therapeutic agent—the 25 mg refers to the amount of the compoundof formula (I). Tablets for examples 6.1 to 6.4 were made by the sameprocess as described in example 2.

TABLE Uncoated 25 mg variants with different levels of disintegrantBatch Number Example Example Example Example 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Strength 25mg 25 mg 25 mg 25 mg mg/tablet mg/tablet mg/tablet mg/tablet MaterialsTherapeutic agent 26.28 26.28 26.28 26.28 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 2 2 2 2Avicel PH 102 19.57 18.72 16.72 15.72 Anhydrous Lactose 39.15 38 36 34Sodium Starch 0 1 3 4.5 Glycollate (Internal) L-HPC LH 21 10 10 10 10Aerosil 200 (Internal) 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Sodium Stearyl Fumarate 1 1 11 (Internal) Sodium Starch 0 1 3 4.5 Glycollate (External) Aerosil 200(External) 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Sodium Stearyl Fumarate 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5(External) Total weight (mg) 100 100 100 100 Tablet properties Tooling 6mm 6 mm 6 mm 6 mm round round round round Mean weight (mg) — 101.6 101.8100.5 Compression force (kN) — 6.0 6.0 6.1 Mean hardness (N) 86.7 78.875.8 82.4 % friability (500 0.29 0.12 0.18 rotations)

The in vitro dissolution rate data of Examples 6.1 to 6.4 are given inTable below.

TABLE In vitro dissolution rate of Examples 6.1 to 6.4 Dissolutionmedium: 900 ml pH 6.8 Phosphate + 0.05% CTAB (cetyltrimethyl ammoniumbromide); Paddle at 75 rpm; HPLC method; rapid stir 45 to 60 min. Time(min) 10 20 30 45 60 % release of compound Example 6.1: 0% SSG (3.0 kN)21.15 50.56 74.45 89.81 93.21 of formula (II) Example 6.1: 0% SSG (7.9kN) 32.66 77.01 91.90 93.40 94.28 Example 6.2: 2% SSG (3.4 kN) 30.7862.63 81.91 94.82 96.07 Example 6.2: 2% SSG (8.0 kN) 40.47 80.34 93.9596.07 97.35 Example 6.3: 6% SSG (3.1 kN) 44.29 75.02 89.89 94.23 96.04Example 6.3: 6% SSG (8.4 kN) 56.42 95.26 95.04 96.34 96.48 Example 6.4:9% SSG (3.0 kN) 39.55 74.20 92.06 96.12 98.03 Example 6: 9% SSG (8.3 kN)52.35 89.48 93.43 97.17 98.85

The dissolution profiles show a clear rank order in terms of level ofdisintegrant and the rate of dissolution up to 6% level. There was nosignificant difference in the release rates between 6% and 9%. Greaterthan 90% of the therapeutic agent is released from Examples with adisintegrant. Disintegrants usually decrease the compressibility of theformulation and higher levels will lead to decreased tablet hardnessand/or friability problems. Thus, a fine balance must be struck betweenthe amount of disintegrant and other properties of the formulation.

The disintegrant is distributed equally between the the internal andexternal components. E.g. 6% is distributed as 3% internal and 3%external components, respectively, and 2% is distributed as 1% internaland 1% external components, respectively

Example 7 2 mg Tablet

The therapeutic agent in this example is the compound of formula (II).Tables below show the formulation for Example 7 having 2 mg oftherapeutic agent; the 2 mg refers to the amount of the compound offormula (I).

Strength 2 mg mg/tablet Materials Therapeutic agent 2.10 Sodium LaurylSulfate 2 Avicel PH 102 (Internal) 25.63 Anhydrous Lactose DT 51.27Sodium Starch Glycollate (Internal) 3 L-HPC LH 21 10 Aerosil 200(Internal) 0.25 Sodium Stearyl Fumarate (Internal) 1 Sodium StarchGlycollate (External) 3 Aerosil 200 (External) 0.25 Sodium StearylFumarate (External) 1.5 Total weight (mg) 100 Tablet properties Tooling6 mm standard round Compression force (kN) 8.0 Mean hardness (N) 34.0 %friability (500 rotations) 0.66 (6 KN, 23.6N hardness) DT mins (withdisc.) 4.8

Example 8 20 mg Strength Uncoated Tablets with 6% Disintegrant, and 2%Disintegrant

The therapeutic agent in these examples is the compound of formula (II).Table below shows the formulation for Examples 8.1 and 8.2 having 20 mgof therapeutic agent—the 20 mg refers to the amount of the compound offormula (I).

Batch Number Example 8.1 Example 8.2 Strength 20 mg 20 mg Materialsmg/tablet mg/tablet Therapeutic agent 21.02 21.02 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate2 2 Avicel PH 102 19.33 20.67 Anhydrous Lactose 38.67 41.33 SodiumStarch Glycollate (Internal) 3 1 L-HPC LH 21 10 10 Aerosil 200(Internal) 0.25 0.25 Sodium Stearyl Fumarate (Internal) 1.0 1.0 SodiumStarch Glycollate (External) 3 1 Aerosil 200 (External) 0.25 0.25 SodiumStearyl Fumarate (External) 1.5 1.5 Total weight (mg) 100 100

Example 9 Technical Stability of Examples

Technical stability data, summarized in the tables below show that thetablets of the present invention have good stability even withoutdesiccant. Tablet were packaged in 90 cc HPDE bottle with heat-inductionseal.

TABLE Chemical data: 25 mg, 2% disintegrant, tablet- Example 6.2 Assayof active ingredient [% Com- Degradation Storage conditions pound offormula (II)] products Initial analysis 98.6 None above 0.05% 25° C/60%1 months 98.1 None above 0.05% RH 9 months 97.3 None above 0.05% 40°C./75% 1 months 98.5 None above 0.05% RH 3 months 96.3 None above 0.05%RH = relative humidity

TABLE Physical data: 25 mg, 2% disintegrant, tablet- Example 6.2Dissolution after 45 min. [%] Water Appear- Aver- [min, content Storageconditions ance age (n) max] [%] Initial analysis Complies*  93 (12)[91, 98] 3.1 25° C./60% 1 month No change 95 (6) [93, 97] 4.3 RH 40°C./75% 1 month No change 94 (6) [92, 96] 4.1 RH 3 months No change 96(6) [95, 98] 4.4 6 months No change 91 (6) [89, 93] — RH = relativehumidity

TABLE Chemical data: 25 mg, 6% disintegrant, tablet- Example 6.3 Assayof active ingredient [% Com- Degradation Storage conditions pound offormula (II)] products Initial analysis 99.5 None above 0.05% 25° C./60%1 months 99.0 None above 0.05% RH 6 months 98.3 None above 0.05% 9months 97.3 None above 0.05% 40° C./75% 1 months 99.2 None above 0.05%RH 3 months 97.6 None above 0.05% 6 months 99.0 None above 0.05% RH =relative humidity

TABLE Physical data: 25 mg, 6% disintegrant, tablet- Example 6.3Dissolution after 45 min. [%] Water Appear- Aver- [min, content Storageconditions ance age (n) max] [%] Initial analysis Complies*  95 (12)[93, 98] 3.3 25° C./60% 1 month No change 93 (6) [90, 95] 4.1 RH 6months No change 93 (6) [92, 94] 3.7 40° C./75% 1 month No change 95 (6)[91, 99] 4.4 RH 3 month No change 98 (6)  [94, 103] 4.7 6 months Nochange 95 (6) [92, 97] 5.1 RH = relative humidity

Example 10 Bioavailability of Tablet Formulations

A single center, randomized, open-label, single dose, parallel-groupstudy is carried out to assess the relative bioavailability of thetherapeutic agent following oral administration of a single dose of thecompound of formula (II) as tablet (20 mg) formulations administered tohealthy subjects under fasting or fed conditions (standard FDAbreakfast). A total of 120 subjects are enrolled and equally distributedto 5 treatment arms (24 subjects/treatment arm, in a 1:1:1:1:1 ratio).

-   -   T1: one 20 mg tablet (Example 8.1) under fasting condition    -   T2: one 20 mg tablet (Example 8.2) under fasting condition    -   T3: two 10 mg tablets (Reference Example 1.B) under fasting        condition    -   T4: one 20 mg tablet (Example 8.1) under fed condition    -   T5: one 20 mg tablet (Example 8.2) under fed condition

All subjects participate in a screening period of up to 20-days (Day −21to −2), a baseline period (Day −1), a single-dose treatment periodfollowed by 36 days of out-patient follow-up visits, and an end-of-studyevaluation (Day 36). Subjects who comply with the inclusion/exclusioncriteria at screening are admitted for baseline evaluations on the daybefore dosing. All baseline safety evaluation results must be availableprior to dosing.

Serial pharmacokinetic (PK) blood samples are collected on Days 1through 36 following study drug administration to determine the PKprofile of different formulations of the present invention.

Safety assessments include physical examinations, ECGs, vital signs,standard clinical laboratory evaluations hematology, blood chemistry,urinalysis, adverse event and serious adverse event monitoring.

Pharmacokinetic Assessments:

-   -   PK blood collection (3 mL in EDTA tubes (plasma)): Pre-dose, 1,        2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168, 240, 312,        408, 504, 672, 840 hours post-dose.    -   The exact time of blood collection is recorded on the eCRF.    -   Analytes, media and methods: compound of formula (II) in plasma        by validated LC-MS/MS method.    -   PK parameters of compound of formula (II) (to be determined for        each of the tablet formulation): Cmax, Tmax, AUC0-last,        AUC0-inf, t1/2, CL/F, and Vd/F    -   PK evaluations: Descriptive statistics of all calculated PK        parameters are provided.

TABLE Summary of pharmacokinetic parameters following single oraladministration of 20 mg of the therapeutic agent as Example 8.1, Example8.2 or Reference Example 1.B tablet under fasted condition or Example8.1, Example 8.2 under fed condition in healthy subjects ReferenceExample 8.1 Example 8.2 Example 1.B Example 8.1 Example 8.2 PK parameterfasted fasted tablet fed fed Tmax (hr)^(a) N 24 24 24 23 22 Median 23.517.0 36.0 12.0 12.0 (min, max) (9.95, 144) (4.00, 120) (4.00, 144)(2.00, 119) (4.00, 48.0) Cmax (ng/mL)^(a) N 24 24 24 23 22 Mean ± SD 141 ± 85.5 161 ± 132  131 ± 84.0 260 ± 235 219 ± 190 (% CV) (60.5)(81.7) (64.3) (90.4) (86.7) T (1/2) (hr)^(a,b) N 23 24 23 22 22 Mean ±SD  136 ± 28.2  153 ± 59.2  140 ± 45.1  164 ± 95.0  139 ± 34.4 (% CV)(20.8) (38.6) (32.3) (57.8) (24.7) AUClast N 24 24 24 23 22 (hr *ng/mL^()a) Mean ± SD 18400 ± 11300 22100 ± 14500 20300 ± 13000 33100 ±23200 29700 ± 16800 (% CV) (61.0) (65.7) (64.3) (70.1) (56.4) AUCinf N23 24 23 23 22 (hr * ng/mL)^(a,b) Mean ± SD 19400 ± 11400 23100 ± 1550021800 ± 13800 34000 ± 23300 30300 ± 16900 (% CV) (58.7) (67.1) (63.3)(68.6) (55.7) CL/F (mL/hr)^(a,b) N 23 24 23 23 22 Mean ± SD 1310 ± 572 1330 ± 882  1260 ± 716  812 ± 392 880 ± 536 (% CV) (43.6) (66.2) (57.0)(48.3) (61.0) Vz/F (mL)^(a,b) N 23 24 23 23 22 Mean ± SD 252000 ± 113000269000 ± 169000 254000 ± 192000 194000 ± 170000 172000 ± 93000  (% CV)(45.1) (62.8) (75.6) (87.9) (54.2) ^(a)Values for subjects who vomitedwithin 2 × Tmax were not included in this table ^(b)Values for subjectswhose Rsq adjusted <0.75 and/or whose AUC % extrapolated >25 were notincluded in this table

Following oral administration of 20 mg tablets of the compound offormula (II) as Example 8.1 and Example 8.2 or Reference Example 1.B tofasted healthy subjects, the plasma concentration-time profiles werenearly super-imposable, especially at the latter time points, indicatingsimilar rates and extent of absorption and elimination for the threeformulations. There were small differences in the pharmacokineticparameters (Cmax, AUClast and AUCinf) of the three formulations.However, these differences were not statistically significant.

Examples 8.1 and 8.2 are thus similar to Reference Example 1.B in termsof the rate and extent of absorption of the therapeutic agent.

The invention thus provides a pharmaceutical composition of the compoundof formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, whichexhibits one or more, e.g. 1, 2 or 3, of the following desirablecharacteristics;

-   -   a dissolution profile which is suitable for the administration        of the therapeutic agent, —a compression profile with a wide        hardness window which still provides acceptable friability,        hardness, disintegration time and dissolution;    -   sufficient stability to achieve a reasonable shelf life;    -   a relatively high drug loading, if desired, may easily be        achieved.

The formulations of the present invention are also achievable via arobust manufacturing process; which gives good flowability,compactibility, and which minimizes sticking problems and capping oftabletting mixtures on the rotary press. The process and theformulations are amenable to scale-up, with a reproducible performance.

1. A pharmaceutical composition in the form of a tablet comprising a) atherapeutically effective amount of the sodium salt of the compoundtrans-(4-{4-[5-(6-trifluromethyl-pyridin-3-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-aceticacid

b) 0.1 to 5% by weight of the tablet prior to any optional film coatingof sodium lauryl sulfate; c) 2 to 20% by weight of the tablet prior toany optional film coating of hydroxypropyl cellulose; d) 15-50% byweight of the tablet prior to any optional film coating ofmicrocrystalline cellulose; e) 0.1-1.0% by weight of the table prior toany optional film coating of colloidal silica; f) 0.1-10% by weight ofthe table prior to any optional film coating of sodium stearyl fumarate;g) 4 to 85% by weight of the tablet prior to any optional film coatingof anhydrous lactose; h) 0.5 to 10% by weight of the tablet prior to anyoptional film coating of sodium starch glycolate; and i) an optionalfilm coating.
 2. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1,further comprising 0.1 to 10% by weight of the tablet prior to anyoptional film coating of magnesium stearate.
 3. The pharmaceuticalcomposition according to claim 1, further comprising a surfactantselected from the group consisting of stearic acid, palmitic acid,myristic acid, poloxamers, polyethylene glycols, the Tween series ofsurfactants, the Brij series of surfactants, Triton X-100, andcombinations thereof.
 4. The pharmaceutical composition according toclaim 1 further comprising a binder selected from the group consistingof polyethylene glycols, pregelatinized starch, starch, chitosan, guargum, methyl cellulose, calcium carboxymethylcellulose, sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose, alginic acid, alginic acid sodium salt,hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and combinationsthereof.
 5. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, whereinthe wherein the ratio of microcrystalline cellulose to anhydrous lactoseis between 1:5 and 1:1.
 6. The pharmaceutical composition according toclaim 1, further comprising crosscarmellose sodium or cross-linkedpolyvinyl pyrrolidone as a disintegrant.
 7. The composition of claim 1,wherein the hydroxypropyl cellulose has a viscosity from 3 to 6 cps. 8.The composition of claim 1, wherein the hydroxypropyl cellulose is lowsubstituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC LH-21).
 9. The composition ofclaim 1 further comprising 0.05 to 5% by weight of the tablet prior toany optional film coating of one or more glidants selected from thegroup consisting of magnesium trisilicate, powdered cellulose, starch,talc and combinations thereof.
 10. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe film coating is comprised of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose,polyethylene glycol and talc.
 11. The composition of claim 10, whereinthe film coating further comprises iron oxide.
 12. The composition ofclaim 10, wherein the film coating further comprises titanium dioxide.13. A process for preparing a pharmaceutical composition according toclaim 1 comprising the steps of: (a) mixing the compound of the formula(I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, with at least onepharmaceutically acceptable excipient to form a blend; (b) rollercompacting, then milling said blend; (c) lubricating the resultingmixture, and (d) compressing the resulting mixture into a solid oraldosage form.